Abstract: Systems and methods capable of transferring items from a bin are described. A de-binning system includes an item transfer apparatus including a transfer conveyor configured to move a conveyor belt surface, and a bin sub-frame coupled to the transfer conveyor and configured to receive a bin. While an item-containing bin is secured to the bin sub-frame, the bin sub-frame and the transfer conveyor are inverted to transfer the items onto the transfer conveyor, which can move the items onto a second conveyor belt. Various aspects of the present systems and methods prevent damage to the surface of delicate items being transferred.

Abstract: An accumulating conveyor comprises a conveyor belt successively follows a first helical track from a lower end thereof in upward direction to a location below an upper end thereof, a first bridge to a location at a second helical track below an upper end thereof, the second helical track in downward direction to a lower end thereof, a first set of auxiliary guides to the upper end of the second helical track, the second helical track in downward direction, a second bridge to the first helical track, the first helical track in upward direction to the upper end thereof, and the second set of auxiliary guides to the lower end of the first helical track. The bridges are synchronously movable along the first and second helical tracks for varying the effective lengths of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A mobile, self-powered, horticultural processing unit capable of facilitating the processing of a large number of plants, is disclosed. In particular a modular unit with a multi-level configuration and a compact footprint capable of performing a variety of different horticultural operations is the subject of present embodiments. The unit may utilize a wheel and suspension assembly attached to a hydraulic lift and towing hardware which permits the unit to be towed as a trailer. The unit may comprise a plurality of conveying platforms which permit access by a forklift, as to allow many plants to be input and removed from the unit at once. The unit may assist in the fully or partially automated pruning, canning, fertilizing, treating, and spacing of plants potted in individual containers. Collectively, the cost and labor involved with growing and maintaining plants in the field may be greatly reduced.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for monitoring a scraper chain based on a measurement on transmittance of a torsion spring and a method thereof. The system includes a sprocket-wheel torsion detection device, a fixing device, a wireless receiver, an A/D converter and an industrial computer. In the method, the relative torsion of the two sprocket wheels is converted into the density change of the torsion spring, the light transmission area is converted into the current value by the laser sensing panel, a varying range of the torsion spring is calculated by the industrial computer through the preset threshold and its own program to monitor the operating conditions of the chain. The method has a novel concept, a stable and reliable system, and a high promotion value.

Abstract: Belt edge modules for constructing modular conveyor belts with sturdy outer edges. The edge modules have thickened outer edge regions in module edge portions that are difficult to snip or break off to access hinge rods.

Abstract: A pallet centering device includes a frame upon which is mounted a plurality of conveyor rollers, the conveyor rollers mounted transverse to a direction of pallet travel. A first pallet pusher unit and a second pallet pusher unit are associated with respective sides of the support frame, both for reciprocal movement transverse to the direction of pallet travel. The first and second pallet pusher units each have pallet pusher members configured for engaging respective sides of a pallet. At least one transverse U-channel rail is mounted to the support frame beneath the conveyor rollers and defining a channel track. Each first and second pallet pusher unit has at least one depending bearing mount aligned with the channel track and provided with a bearing rotatably engaging the channel track. A drive assembly moves the first and second pallet pusher units reciprocally for centering the pallet located on the conveyor rollers.

Abstract: An article transport facility includes a transport conveyor (34) and a weighing device (24), which includes a support portion (28) for supporting a container (C1) and a measuring portion (30) configured to measure a weight of the container (C1) supported by the support portion (28). The article transport facility is configured to perform a state change between a withdrawn state in which the support portion (28) is withdrawn downward relative to a transport surface (34A) and a protruding state in which the support portion (28) protrudes upward relative to the transport surface (34A) by moving the support portion (28) and the transport conveyor (34) relative to each other in a vertical direction (Z). A support surface (28A) of the support portion (28) is inclined such that one corner portion (8A) of multiple corner portions (8) located at corners of the container (C1) is lower than the other corner portions (8).

Abstract: An escalator monitoring system includes a data collection device disposed near parts of an escalator that need to be monitored for collecting data of the parts; a data transmittal device used to transmit data relevant to safe operation of the escalator; a local data processing device or cloud processors used to receive the data relevant to the safe operation of the escalator, to compare it against a threshold value stored therein and derived from the parts in normal operating conditions, and to respond to comparison result.

Abstract: A system for buffer storage and sequencing of items that receives unsequenced items and delivers sequenced items is provided. The system includes: a buffer storage unit having N input levels each having a FIFO conveyor, where N?2; reciprocating input and output elevators positioned respectively at the input and output of N input levels; and a control unit configured to organize, under a constraint of delivery to at least one forward output conveyor of at least one sequence of items, various movements of items (from at least one forward input conveyor to the reciprocating input elevator, from the reciprocating input elevator to the N input levels, from the N input levels to the reciprocating output elevator, and from the reciprocating output elevator to the at least one forward output conveyor).

Abstract: A hygienic, cleanable conveyor roller for use in a conveyor includes a segmented hub, a plurality of spokes and a rim for contacting a conveyor belt. The segmented hub comprises a plurality of arcuate segments in different axial planes connected to each other. The conveyor roller is mounted upon and rotatable about a mounting shaft that may axially constrain the roller. During a single revolution of the conveyor roller about the mounting shaft, all surfaces of both the conveyor roller and the mounting shaft are fully exposed, allowing the surfaces to be cleaned in place, without requiring removal of the conveyor roller from the mounting shaft.

Abstract: A floor-bound continuous conveyor for intralogistics includes at least one frame and at least one load-carrying means which has a conveying plane for piece goods and which is configured to transport the piece goods in a conveying direction. A stop means is configured to stop an item of piece goods transported on the conveying plane in the conveying direction at a predetermined position on the load-carrying means. A movement apparatus is designed to move the item of piece goods resting against the stop means on the conveying plane from the starting position and orientation thereof standing on the conveying plane of the load handling device into an end position and orientation deviating from the starting position and orientation on the load-carrying means out of the conveying plane of the load-carrying means into the end position and orientation.

Abstract: A novel structure of a spiral conveyor is provided which is also suitable for conveyance of curl-shape and permanent-shape cuttings in a lathe system while suppressing the occurrence of noise caused by vibration. At the lowest point, a conveyance spiral of this spiral conveyor for conveying chips contacts the ground (the ground point P) at the lowest point of a tray, and the conveyance spiral is not in contact with a pair of rails in opposite positions on the inner surface of the tray and extending in the length direction, and small gaps t are formed between the conveyance spiral and the rails. Because it is only at the lowest point that the conveyance spiral contacts the tray, similarly to conventional rail-less designs, a low level of noise is achieved, similar to that in the rail-less designs.

Abstract: A product order fulfillment system including a multi-level transport system and a lifting transport system. Each level of the multi-level transport system having a corresponding independent asynchronous level transport system separate and distinct from the asynchronous level transport system corresponding to each other level of the multi-level transport system. Each independent lift axis of the lifting transport system being configured to independently hold at least one case and being communicably coupled to each asynchronous level transport system so as to provide for exchange of the at least one case between each asynchronous level transport system and each independent lift axis. Each independent lift axis is communicably coupled to each other independent lift axis of the more than one lift axis and forms a common output of mixed cases so as to create an ordered sequence of mixed cases in accordance to a predetermined case out ordered sequence.

Abstract: Spiral chute (1), adapted to convey an object from an inlet (I) to an outlet (O) downwards along a sliding area (S) in a sliding manner, wherein the sliding area (S) defines a spiral conveying direction (D); the spiral chute (1) comprises a plurality of steps (6), which are arranged along the spiral conveying direction (D), each of the steps having a sliding face (62) for vertically supporting the sliding objects; wherein the spiral chute is adapted so that an inclination angle (i) of the sliding face (62) relative to the horizontal plane can selectively be adapted.

Abstract: A roller assembly for use in a conveyor system is disclosed. The roller assembly includes a central rod having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The roller assembly includes a plurality of rollers rotatably mounted to the central rod such that adjacent rollers abut each other. A first shaft extends through each of the plurality of rollers and is offset from and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod, causing the plurality of rollers to rotate about the central rod in unison. A first collar and a second collar are mounted on respective first and second ends of the central rod. Each collar is selectably movable to the central rod so as to hold the plurality of rollers in a fixed position along a length of the central rod. A conveyor system with the roller assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular conveyor belt including a plurality of rods, a plurality of rollers, and a plurality of links. Each link includes a main body, a plurality of link hinge members, and a plurality of roller hinge members. Each roller hinge member has an opening therethrough configured for receiving a corresponding rod and a recessed retainer configured for receiving and retaining a corresponding roller.

Abstract: A control system for an automated singulation system is provided. The control system detects a presence of a first item on a first conveyor and detects a presence of a second item on a second conveyor while the first item is present on the first conveyor. The second conveyor transfers items onto the first conveyor and is at a lower height than the second conveyor. The first conveyor is oriented perpendicularly with respect to the second conveyor. In response to detecting the presence of the second item, a location of the first item along a length of the first conveyor is determined. The first conveyor and the second conveyor are controlled based at least on the location of the first item.

Abstract: Present embodiments relate to a tie plate dispenser which aligns tie plates for dispensing based on rail base rather than outer edges of the tie plate. Thus tie plates are aligned and located in a differing manner than prior art systems. Further, the tie plate dispenser includes an opening over which a magnet is disposed to retain a tie plate over the opening. The tie plate over the opening may be selectively released by disengaging the tie plate from the magnet.

Abstract: A plastic modular conveyor belt constructed of belt modules with wear pads. The belt is supported in the carryway of a conveyor atop linear wearstrips along which the belt's wear pads slide as the belt advances.

Abstract: A conveying module includes a base structure; a first conveying device to convey a unit of goods in a first conveying direction (x) in the horizontal; a second conveying device to convey a unit of goods in a second conveying direction (y) in the horizontal, wherein the second conveying direction runs substantially perpendicular to the first conveying direction; a carrier structure to carry a unit of goods; a first lifting device to raise and/or lower the first conveying device in the vertical (z) between a lower position and an upper position; and a second lifting device to raise and/or lower the second conveying device in the vertical (z) between a lower position and an upper position; wherein a unit of goods located on the conveying module rests on the carrier structure when the first conveying device and the second conveying device are in the lower position.